Benefit show set for former Marine held in Iran

Apr. 19, 2013 - 07:51AM
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FLINT, Mich. — Supporters of a Michigan man and former Marine imprisoned in Iran on espionage charges are planning a benefit concert in Flint.

The Friday evening concert at Mott Community College will include a performance of the song, “I Will Fly (Amir’s Song).” It was written in honor of Amir Hekmati, who was arrested in August 2011 while visiting his grandmothers in Iran.

Organizers say the free-will donation benefit concert will include music from the MCC Percussion Ensemble and Exclamation! Others on the bill include Townes Osborn Miller, Carl Angelo and Rufus Ferguson.

Hekmati’s parents live in the Flint area. The U.S. government has repeatedly denied that Hekmati is a spy.

The release says a petition asking Secretary of State John Kerry to speak out on Hekmati’s behalf has about 10,000 signatures.